kick like a mule
In real, traceable use. Part of the curated seed collection; community review is coming.
Meaning · English
To have a very strong physical effect.
Register: informal
Where it’s used:
Used
American English
Examples
This Russian drink tastes foul, but it kicks like a mule.
Usage example from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-07-30)
Sources & notes
Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-07-30 via kaikki.org).
Common questions
What does “kick like a mule” mean?
To have a very strong physical effect.
Is “kick like a mule” formal or informal?
kick like a mule is generally informal.